Our very own Karl Betz was our speaker for May.
With representatives from various organizations such as the Boy Scouts,
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, local fire and police
departments, Karl did an outstanding job introducing us to the local venomous
snakes. The main focus of the talk was on proper identification, variations
in appearances, differences between cottonmouths and water snakes, and
coral snakes and their mimics. The presentation also included a few tips
on how to react to one when encountered in the wild.

Karl has been a longtime keeper of snakes, including
venomous ones and is currently the Vice President of the Southeastern
Hot Herp Society, which is a relatively new organization that disseminates
as much information as possible to those who keep venomous reptiles and
those who are just interested.